Mail Call - Dec. 23

December 22, 2010

"I think it's really ridiculous of how pay phones are now becoming extinct. It's hard to find a pay phone anymore. I have a cell phone, but I still like to use the pay phone to call some numbers, such as some of those 800 numbers. I don't mean 900 numbers, either. We're going to all this new devices out there now."

— Greencastle, Pa.

"Instead of worrying about the overflow trash around the recycle dumps — the city ought to worry about the trash that's in people's backyards and on porches. What do all the city inspectors look at, anyway?"

— Hagerstown

"I'm disgusted and appalled about the nativity scene being removed in Staten Island, N.Y. Christmas is the birth of Christ, and the nativity scene is part of Christmas, and if people don't like it they don't have to look at it. I'm tired of people — organizations such as the ACLU — dictating what should and shouldn't be allowed. Our country was first based on morals of religious values, and it's about time we start getting back to them."

— Hagerstown

"I wish the parents who drive their children to Funkstown school would not pull up in front of the school and block the buses. There were six cars in front of the school today, and behind one bus and in front of another bus, while this bus had to wait for these and the people wait until they pull up to the door. Not only are they pulling up in front of the school, they wait until they pull up in front of the door to let their children out. You're supposed to park in the parking lot and walk your children up, like the rest."

— Funkstown

"I agree that the Dual Highway is an absolute mess. When is this job going to get done? This summer they had a lot of nice days to work. Lots of times I came past, nobody working — just standing talking. That's a shame, and the highway is really a mess. Please get it done, somebody."

— Smithsburg

"In answer to the school bullying problem in Mail Call on Dec. 16, instead of hiring a lawyer and going to the school council, there is another way I believe would be more successful. There is such a person that was used in the Williamsport school district for just this type of problem, and with a pretty good success rate. His credentials are impressive; retired from the Maryland State Police after 20 years service, currently serving as a deputy county sheriff of Washington County, and is ... I realize you are outside the Washington County line, but there's an old saying: I do for you, you do for me."

— Clear Spring

"To the caller who referred to the gas prices going up and people accusing President Bush of being in the pockets of the oil companies: I couldn't agree more. Where is the news media now? No mention of the gas prices in the paper, on the news, and no accusations of President Obama being in the pockets of oil companies. Just seems like no one is purposely noticing that gas prices have gone way up, but my pocket sure has noticed."

— Boonsboro

"A big thank you to the Historic City Park Neighborhood 1st Group for walking through this neighborhood singing holiday carols. The generous sharing of time and lovely voices added to our enjoyment of the holiday season. It was a really fine example of being neighborly. We hope the group plans to do this again next year, when maybe more neighborhood residents will join them in caroling."

— Hagerstown

"A 'craftsman' is someone at the top of his craft, like a first-class cabinet maker. A 'professional' is one who has the ethics and pride of that profession. If you see an 18-wheeler with a sign on the back that says 'How's my driving? 800-XXX-XXXX,' that is probably a professional. Watch the way they drive. They don't cut off us little guys. They think ahead, half a mile or three-quarters of a mile down the road, so as to avoid those last-minute stress situations that cause accidents. They are the true Knights of the Road."

— Chambersburg, Pa.

"I'm one of you out there who are trying to manage the holidays after losing someone close. I wish the best it can be, and a better year to come for all of us. Even with an attentive and loving family, it's the roughest thing I've faced. God bless."

— Hagerstown

"I would just like to say Merry Christmas to everyone. Yes, that's right, I used the 'C' word, as we all should. God bless."

— Greencastle, Pa.

"It's that time of the year again, and I hope everyone who have read my complaints in Mail Call will have a great Christmas and New Year. Go ahead and just forget what I have said this year and look forward to what I have to say in 2011. Mail Call is a keeper."

— Waynesboro, Pa.

"Remember on Dec. 25, Jesus is the reason for the season, not this gift giving."